Brand USA Debuts Connected TV Travel Entertainment Channel

WASHINGTON—Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, has launched GoUSA TV, a first-of-its kind connected TV network, featuring created, curated and licensed video content to inspire, invite and welcome travelers to visit the U.S.

GoUSA TV will offer a library of single episode and episodic content that allows audiences to explore and experience the USA through short-, medium- and long-form videos. The service is now available on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV in the United States and across the globe. In 2019, GoUSA TV will launch on Google Chromecast and leading platforms in China.

“We are at the forefront of delivering authentic, inspiring and entertaining content that connects travelers to all the experiences the U.S. has to offer,” said Tom Garzilli, chief marketing officer, Brand USA. “A big part of our role as the nation’s destination marketing organization is to invite, welcome and thank travelers for coming to the U.S., and this connected TV platform will help us engage and attract a greater audience than ever before with entertaining content that captures and keeps viewers coming back again and again.”

Per an April 2016 report from Nielsen, 65% of internet users worldwide watched some type of video-on-demand (VOD), including both short-form and long-form content. In particular, North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia-Pacific (led by Japan, India, South Korea, China and Australia) have all shown steady growth in VOD adoption. In its first year online, GoUSA TV hopes to generate three million views.

“Over the past five years, Brand USA has created and curated amazing storytelling via videos that showcase the United States’ endless diversity of people, places and experiences,” continued Garzilli. “GoUSA TV will elevate our storytelling capabilities to the next level by optimizing a combination of created, curated and licensed content that allows us to deliver powerful visual stories that personally resonate with every traveler in a way that is entertaining, informative and relevant.”

GoUSA TV’s debut comes as Brand USA prepares for the global premiere of America’s Musical Journey, its second giant-screen film together with MacGillivray Freeman Films and global presenting sponsor, Expedia Inc., on Feb. 15.

GoUSA TV audiences will have access to experiences across four different category and experience playlists. Initial categories include the Great Outdoors, Road Trips, Food & Drink, Culture & Events.

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